DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

European Auto Repair: 5 Key Differences Between Dealerships and Independent Shops While a dealership may seem like the best alternative for European auto repair, it’s not the only alternative. A car dealership, while it offers specialized care for your vehicle, is often unable to provide a fast or personalized experience. Building a relationship isn’t usually at the forefront of a high-volume business. Independent shops may not specialize in a specific vehicle, but there are key advantages to using them as your auto care provider. 1. Warranty Dealerships usually offer manufacturer-backed warranties that protect your newly-purchased vehicle from defects for a certain period of time. However, most service warranties from a manufacturer are honored at independent shops. Call a service advisor at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center for any questions about your vehicle’s warranty. Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center o ... read more

With school starting in a few short weeks, it’s easy to put auto repair on the back burner. However, it's crucial not to overlook one essential aspect of back-to-school readiness - your car's condition. A reliable vehicle provides a safe and comfortable commute and prevents potential breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here’s an auto care checklist you may want to add to your school shopping list this fall: 1. Tire Inspection Your car's tires are a critical safety component since they make contact with the road. To look at your tire health, start by inspecting the tread depth; if it's worn out, consider replacing the tires. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling, so check the tire pressure regularly, including the spare tire.  Inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage, like bulges or cuts, that can lead to blowouts and accidents. 2. Routine Maintenance Check Before the school year kicks off, take your car for a thorough ins ... read more

  Your vehicle's transmission is a vital component that plays a crucial role in delivering power from the engine to the wheels. It's also one of the most expensive parts to replace! To avoid the hefty cost and inconvenience associated with transmission replacement, it's important to prioritize regular maintenance and adopt preventive measures. In this article, we share some effective strategies to help you prevent transmission failure and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.   1. Regular Fluid Checks and Changes Maintaining the proper fluid levels and quality is paramount for a healthy transmission. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended fluid change intervals and ensure you adhere to them. Fresh, clean transmission fluid provides lubrication, cools the system, and prevents excessive wear. Regular fluid checks allow you to detect any leaks or contamination early, enabling timely repairs and preventing further damage. Using the right type o ... read more

When is it Time to Replace Your Brakes? Your car brakes are what makes the difference between your safety and a tragic accident. You need to keep them in optimal shape to ensure they're working properly at all times. As they get constant use in your car, they tend to wear down more quickly than other parts in your car. Sometimes you'll be able to see or hear potential damage to your brakes, but in other instances you won't know there's a problem until it's too late. In this article, we'll break down common signs that your brakes need to be replaced and how you can keep them in pristine shape moving forward. How Do Brakes Work? Car brake systems are more complicated than meets the eye. They're comprised of the following parts that work together to safely bring your car to a halt: Brake pedal — Creates leverage to start the braking process Brake booster — Amplifies your ... read more

Like any other vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV) will require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. However, the specific repairs required for an EV differ from those required for a traditional gasoline-powered car because of differences in their powertrain systems. However, they are both complex machines that require regular upkeep to operate safely and efficiently. Here are some common repairs an EV may need: 1. Motor Maintenance and Repair Electric car motors generally require less maintenance compared to internal combustion engines. However, they still need some maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The electric motor is the heart of an EV's powertrain, and may require repairs or replacement over time due to wear and tear. Depending on vehicle type and use, electric car motor maintenance may include: Cooling System: Electric motors generate heat during operation, so the cooling system, typically consisting of coolant and a radiator, needs to be maint ... read more

What’s the key to a seamless summer experience? A reliable vehicle to get you and your family to and from vacation, of course! Take advantage of free auto repair services at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, just in time for summer. Our digital courtesy inspection checks your vehicle’s major systems for your peace-of-mind. You don’t have to open your wallet! The following services are covered in our digital courtesy inspection: 1. AC Inspection We recommend you get your car's air conditioning system checked by a professional mechanic or automotive technician at least once a year. An AC inspection is important, especially before the start of the summer season. Regular maintenance and inspections may prevent major AC problems, such as leaks or compressor failure. You should also pay attention to any unusual noises, odors, or changes in the performance of your AC system and have it inspected as soon as possible if you notice any issues. Schedule yo ... read more

Where Can You Get A Used Vehicle Inspection? Are you in the market for a used vehicle? You may want to consider getting a pre-purchase inspection. A used vehicle inspection, or pre-purchase inspection, is a thorough examination of a pre-owned vehicle by a professional mechanic or technician to assess its overall condition and identify any existing or potential issues or defects. The inspection is typically conducted before the purchase of the vehicle to help the buyer make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase, negotiate the price, or walk away from the deal altogether. During the inspection, the mechanic will examine various components of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, tires, and bodywork, among others. They will also test drive the vehicle to assess its performance and handling on the road. Based on their findings, the mechanic will provide a detailed report on the condition of the vehic ... read more

What is National Car Care Month? National Car Care Month is a month-long campaign held in April aimed at raising awareness of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and promoting safe driving practices. During National Car Care Month, car owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection and servicing. This includes checking and replacing worn-out tires, brakes, and other essential components, as well as performing routine oil changes and fluid checks. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of proper car care and maintenance in reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the vehicle's lifespan. Additionally, it provides valuable information and resources to help car owners stay safe on the road such as tips on defensive driving and safe driving habits. This National Car Care Month, it's easier than ever to understand your vehicle's health at Paul Campanella's Auto & Tire Center. Each of o ... read more

4 Easy Ways You Can Take Charge of Your Vehicle’s Health Now is the best time to get caught up on auto repair. Think about it—summer is approaching fast! You want to spend your summer on vacation, not in the repair shop! It’s time to prioritize where you want to spend your time and money. If you haven’t already booked summer plans, you’re probably starting to. Are you taking your car on vacation? If the answer is yes, making sure your vehicle is ready for the road is step one to a seamless vacation experience. Here are four ways you can take charge of your vehicle’s health—not just during this season, but year-round! 1. Be Proactive with Preventative Maintenance   Stay on top of your oil changes, tire rotations, fluid services, and other regular maintenance your vehicle needs to perform at its best. Our service team will work with you to create a maintenance schedule based on the needs of your specific vehicle. We a ... read more

6 Ways You Can Avoid Auto Repair Shop Anxiety Does bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop make you nervous? Maybe you've had bad experiences with auto repair service in the past, like a faulty repair or a complete rip-off. Most people have at least one poor service experience that made them never want to return to that shop.  If you're bring business to an auto repair shop, you should never feel belittled or anxious. Poor customer service is the most telling sign of a company's priorities and intentions. The good news is, there's more than a few steps you can take to ensure you and your vehicle receive the best service possible. 1. Stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance. If there’s one thing that will save you time and stress, it’s knowing your vehicle and its maintenance schedule. No, you don’t need to be a mechanic (we have plenty of those!) but it’s basic knowledge like knowing how often you ... read more